Stand-Up Paddleboard with interchangeable length and function-adjusting sections.

ABSTRACT

This invention is directed toward a stand-up paddleboard comprised of two or more sections, which mate together to form a Stand-up paddleboard of varying lengths, where each length is dependent upon the number and function of one or more middle sections. The take-apart function allows for a rigid, high performance Stand-up paddleboard to be easily displayed for sale in a retail store or transported to exotic and remote locations, and because the middle section (or sections) can be selectively added or removed, this single invention can allow a user to create a high-performance short board, a medium-size longboard, a big wave “gun”, a touring board, and overnight camping board, or a fishing board out of the same pieces.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS Statement Regarding Federally Sponsored Research or Development

This invention was not federally sponsored.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

This invention relates to the general field of stand-up paddleboards, and particularly to a stand-up paddleboard comprised of two or more sections, which mate together to form a Stand-up paddleboard of varying lengths and sections, where each section has unique characteristics—be it storage, surfing, fishing, or just long distance speed paddling—and where the selective combination of these sections allows the user to drastically alter the paddling and wave surfing characteristics based on both the length of the Stand-up paddleboard and the curvature of the sides. The adjustability also allows a user to create a high-performance short board, a medium-size longboard, or a big wave “gun” out of the same pieces.

The take-apart function allows for a rigid, high performance Stand-up paddleboard to be easily transported to exotic and remote locations, and because the middle section (or sections) can be selectively added or removed, this single invention can allow a user to create a shorter or longer Stand-up paddleboard that is ideally suited for surfers of different heights and weights, as well as adjusting the Stand-up paddleboard for a variety of desired end uses.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The sport of stand-up paddleboarding goes back to ancient Hawaii—the birthplace of not only surfing but also stand-up paddleboarding. Stand-up paddleboarding is one of the most versatile sports in the world, as it combines some of the best characteristics of kayaking, canoeing, surfing, and a gym in one board and a paddle. While a good advertising slogan would be that stand-up paddleboarding combines all these sports into one convenient package, the prior art does not provide a convenient package that would allow a user of a Stand-up paddleboard to conveniently transport the Stand-up paddleboard, nor does it provide for a method by which one Stand-up paddleboard can be adjusted in terms of its length and function. This invention provides a solution to the problem of how to transport a Stand-up paddleboard and how to adjust the length and composition of a Stand-up paddleboard to different paddlers who are using the Stand-up paddleboard for different purposes.

Problems Presented by the Prior Art

Problem #1. When a user cannot adjust the length of a Stand-up paddleboard, each user has to have his/her own, or use a Stand-up paddleboard of an undesirable length.

Canoes and kayaks are the most popular current methods of paddling long distances using only human power. Both can be used for recreational day trips, and can be used to store gear for overnight and multi-day trips. Stand-up paddleboards are also being made today with the capacity to store traveling gear. As with kayaks, the two most popular methods are hatches that allow a user to store, and access, gear stowed in the hull itself, and elastic straps mounted to grommets in the deck of the Stand-up paddleboard that allow a user to secure items in waterproof bags under the elastic straps.

As a general rule, kayaks and canoes, like surfboards, which will be discussed later, become faster, and less maneuverable, the longer they are. Thus, for long distance paddling, a longer kayak, canoe, or Stand-up paddleboard is desirable. Not coincidentally, the longer Stand-up paddleboards, kayaks and canoes also tend to have more storage capability. However, another factor that must be taken into considering in selecting a Stand-up paddleboard (or canoe or kayak) of the proper length is the size and weight of the paddler. For example, a 9′ long Stand-up paddleboard that may be an excellent surfing Stand-up paddleboard for a 200 pound paddle-surfer could also make for an excellent touring Stand-up paddleboard for a 7 year old. Thus, it would be desirable to have a single Stand-up paddleboard that could be adjusted or modified such that a user could change its length.

Problem #2: With current Stand-up paddleboards, the lack of an adjustable length creates problems with transportation, storage, and even retail space.

Whenever you walk into a sporting goods store, what are the three things always among the largest items in the store? Kayaks, canoes and Stand-up paddleboards. Even in a big box retail giant such as Costco, the largest packaged items are usually kayaks and Stand-up paddleboards. While the children's slide sets and large patio umbrellas take up a considerable amount of space as displayed, their boxed contents are usually considerably smaller than Stand-up paddleboards. With shelf space at a premium, it is desirable to create a Stand-up paddleboard that could be packaged and sold in a small, compartmentalized form, such as where the Stand-up paddleboard is created in several sections that fit together. This method of making a Stand-up paddleboard would save both on transportation costs to the eventual retail outlet and in minimizing the retail shelf space the Stand-up paddleboard would take up.

Problem #3, with Stand-up paddleboards of non-adjustable length, a Stand-up paddleboard surfer would have to own a variety of Stand-up paddleboards in different lengths for different surfing conditions. Should the average Stand-up paddleboard surfer travel to various surfing destinations, he/she would be forced to either bring along a single Stand-up paddleboard of a set length, or rent an unfamiliar Stand-up paddleboard upon arriving at the destination.

In board surfing, a rider catches an ocean wave, by paddling a surfboard usually in a prone position but occasionally in a kneeling position, using his/her hands for propulsion, then stands up and rides the wave toward the shore. In stand-up paddlesurfing, the user of a Stand-up paddleboard stands on the Stand-up paddleboard and provides power with a long paddle, catching a wave in a manner similar to a board surfer, then surfs the wave toward the shore. While board surfers normally maneuver a board using weight shifts, the Stand-up paddleboard surfer has an additional tool at his/her disposal, in that the paddle can actually be used to help maneuver the Stand-up paddleboard during the ride.

One challenge that faces both board surfers and Stand-up paddleboard surfers is the fact that the different board sizes and shapes are required for optimum performance on different sized waves with different breaking characteristics. For example, a 6′ 0″ “short board” will work very well on two foot “ankle-biter” waves at the local beach break, but would be an extremely poor, if not fatal, choice for 40′ Waimea Bay or Mavericks. By the same token, the 12′ long “big wave gun” that would allow an expert surfer to surf huge waves, would not maneuver much better than a tuna boat at the local beach break.

Professional surfers solve this problem by having a “quiver” of surfboards for different conditions. The first multiple World Champion of surfing, Mark Richards, kept a quiver of six different surfboards—just for contests and practicing in Hawaii. The current World Champion, Kelly Slater, keeps an estimated 70 surfboards at various contest and practice locations around the globe so that he can be ready for whatever surf conditions exist at the time he arrives at any particular destination. The reason for keeping such “quivers” is that surfers—whether surfboard surfers or Stand-up paddleboard surfers—become accustomed to certain boards and would prefer to use a familiar board rather than buying, or renting, whatever is available at location to which they have traveled.

While there are many factors that influence the performance of a surfboard or Stand-up paddleboard, the most important in terms of handling waves of a certain size is the length. Unless the wave rider is towed into a wave via the relatively new sport of tow-surfing, a board surfer or Stand-up paddleboard surfer has to balance the maneuverability of a shorter board with the wave-catching superiority of the longer board. Thus, it is desirable that a single Stand-up paddleboard be adjustable, such that a Stand-up paddleboard surfer can adjust the length of the Stand-up paddleboard to effectively ride large or small waves.

Problem #4: Fixed-length Stand-up paddleboards do not have a mechanism to adjust the shape of the rails.

Another important factor that dictates how a surfboard or Stand-up paddleboard will perform is the curvature of the rails or sides of the board. Generally, a longer, flatter rail will allow for more speed, while a shorter, more curved rail will perform better turns. Thus, as discussed earlier, the longer “big wave” board that has its curvature stretched out over 12′ or so in length will not turn as well as the 6′ board that has approximately the same number of inches in width but has the curvature from the nose and tail sections of the board spread out over a length that is 50% shorter. Thus, a Stand-up paddleboard where the user can adjust the rail outline for larger, or smaller, surf conditions is also desirable.

Problem #5: Fixed-length Stand-up paddleboards do not have a mechanism to allow the same Stand-up paddleboard to be used efficiently to multiple purposes such as long-distance flat water touring, camping via the stand-up paddleboard, surfing small and large waves, and fishing.

The current art, while providing “break-down” Stand-up paddleboards, does not provide a mechanism by which an owner of a stand-up paddleboard can customize his/her stand-up paddleboard to perform a variety of functions at a high level of performance. So, the long Stand-up paddleboard that paddles very well across flat water cannot be converted into a shorter Stand-up paddleboard designed for surfing small waves. Likewise, the owner of a short, high-performance Stand-up paddleboard that is perfect for the 2′ surfing conditions at the local beach breaks, would not want to take that Stand-up paddleboard on a paddle from Los Angeles to Catalina Island.

BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART

The prior has several examples of attempts to resolve this problem. For example, in the field of surfboards, there are “break-down” surfboards where a normal sized surfboard breaks down into two pieces for easy transportation. However, these surfboards are merely collapsible versions of a single surfboard, and cannot be adjusted in length or rail shape to accommodate a wide range of users, uses, and wave types. In the kayak industry, there are also collapsible kayaks. However, the inflatable kayaks generally do not have the rigidity necessary for surfing, and the sectional kayaks are quite heavy. There are also Stand-up paddleboards that come apart, but these too minor the methods, and shortcomings, of the more experienced surfing and kayaking industries.

Thus there has existed a long-felt need for a Stand-up paddleboard that can be taken apart, in pieces, and then put back together in a variety of combinations to allow both the length and the handling capabilities to be adjusted for different users and/or different conditions and desired uses.

The current invention provides just such a solution by having a stand-up paddleboard comprised of two or more sections, which mate together to form a Stand-up paddleboard of varying lengths, where each length has unique paddling and wave surfing characteristics based on both the length of the Stand-up paddleboard and the curvature of the sides. The take-apart function allows for a rigid, high performance Stand-up paddleboard to be easily transported to exotic and remote locations, and because the middle section (or sections) can be selectively added or removed, this single invention can allow a user to create a shorter or longer Stand-up paddleboard that is ideally suited for paddlers of different heights and weights. The adjustability also allows a user to create a high-performance short board, a medium-size longboard, or a big wave “gun” out of the same pieces.

The middle sections of this Stand-up paddleboard are particularly important as it is envisioned that a number of different middle sections can be provided; each with a specific purpose. For example, a fishing section can have a fishing chair and a rod holder. A touring or storage section can have a watertight hatch that allows the user to access internal storage. A big wave section can have additional strength and rigidity, while a paddling section can have a specific coating on the deck that is both comfortable to the user and provides security against slipping off. There could also be middle sections with different bottom configurations to allow for more stability, better surfing and paddling characteristics, and better tracking ability. The middle sections can either be duplicates of the same design, or can be of different designs. For example, a paddler who cares only for speed could build a board with three middle sections that are light-weight and designed to create a long (and therefore fast) Stand-up paddleboard. A paddler who wanted to go fishing on an overnight tour could combine a fishing chair middle section with a storage section, thereby creating a fairly fast (but not as fast as the previously described board) board that would allow a user to both fish and camp on the same trip.

Because a variety of sections with different functions can be selectively combined to accommodate a wide variety of trips and purposes, the owner of this invention needs to buy only one Stand-up paddleboard to surf large and small waves, take overnight tours, go fishing, or combine all these activities in one trip (and one Stand-up paddleboard), and additional sections can be purchased separately which would enable the user to completely change the paddleboard's use without having to replace the entire board.

It is also contemplated that different front (nose) and back (stern or tail) sections could be specifically manufactured for different wave and paddling conditions, and that these alternative front and back sections could also be sold independently for a Stand-up paddleboard user who wanted to adjust his/her board for specific conditions. For example, a paddle intending to surf large waves could add on a nose section with extra rocker (the curvature of the board) to allow for surviving bigger drops, while a paddler anticipating a longer paddle could attach a “tracking” stern section designed to more easily keep the board going in a straight line.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a Stand-up paddleboard where the length is adjustable.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a Stand-up paddleboard where the rail configuration is adjustable for surfing large or small waves.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a Stand-up paddleboard where the Stand-up paddleboard can be broken down into three or more separate units.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a Stand-up paddleboard where one or more middle sections can be added—or removed—from the Stand-up paddleboard to increase or decrease the length.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a Stand-up paddleboard where through the addition or removal of one or more middle sections the rail configuration of the Stand-up paddleboard can be changed to affect the maneuverability of the Stand-up paddleboard.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a Stand-up paddleboard that can have more than three sections, where the user can add additional sections, or replace either the middle, front or end sections with alternate sections, to the Stand-up paddleboard to be able to perform at a high level a variety of activities during a single trip on the Stand-up paddleboard.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a Stand-up paddleboard which can be easily broken down for shipping from the factory to a retail location, for displaying at the retail location, for easy transportation back to the home of a purchaser, and for transportation to a remote location by bus, train, helicopter, airplane or power boat.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a Stand-up paddleboard where the method of attaching sections to each other is lightweight and does not add unnecessary, additional weight to the Stand-up paddleboard.

STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, one aspect the invention includes a Stand-up paddleboard that comes in three or more parts, where the middle section can be removed, and only the bow and stern sections used, to create either a high performance Stand-up paddleboard, or a touring Stand-up paddleboard suitable for a child or light user.

Preferably, the Stand-up paddleboard has at least one more additional middle section, where all the middle sections are identical to one another, where the user can add additional middle sections to give the Stand-up paddleboard a greater length.

Where one or more sections can be replaced with alternate shapes to completely change the performance characteristics of the board without having to replace the entire board—for example from a planing to a displacement nose for increased speed on the same overall length board, or a convex deck center section to a concave deck center section for increased stability.

Other embodiments of the invention have a variety of middle sections that the user can choose from when “building” his/her Stand-up paddleboard for a particular trip, so that the Stand-up paddleboard could be three, four, five, or even more sections in length and could allow the user to tour overnight, surf both large and small waves, and fish, all during the same trip.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. The features listed herein and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

It should be understood the while the preferred embodiments of the invention are described in some detail herein, the present disclosure is made by way of example only and that variations and changes thereto are possible without departing from the subject matter coming within the scope of the following claims, and a reasonable equivalency thereof, which claims I regard as my invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

One preferred form of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a 3-section embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the 3-section embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a 4-section embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a side view of another 3-section embodiment of the invention showing a Stand-up paddleboard customized for fishing and storage.

FIG. 5 is a side view of a 5-section embodiment of the invention showing a Stand-up paddleboard customized for long-distance touring, camping, fishing and surfing.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a 3-section embodiment of the invention showing a Stand-up paddleboard customized with a fishing chair.

FIG. 7 is a side view of a 3-section embodiment of the invention showing a Stand-up paddleboard customized with a storage hatch in the closed position.

FIG. 8 is a side view of a 3-section embodiment of the invention showing a Stand-up paddleboard customized with a hatch in the open position.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a 3-section embodiment of the invention showing a Stand-up paddleboard customized with “tow-in” straps for big wave surfing.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a 3-section embodiment of the invention showing a Stand-up paddleboard customized with a modified nose section.

FIG. 11 is a side view of a 4-section embodiment of the invention showing a Stand-up paddleboard customized with the embodiment of FIG. 3, but shown in side view.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Many aspects of the invention can be better understood with references made to the drawings below. The components in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. Instead, emphasis is placed upon clearly illustrating the components of the present invention. Moreover, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts through the several views in the drawings. Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention, it is to be understood that the embodiments of the invention are not limited in their application to the details of construction and to the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The embodiments of the invention are capable of being practiced and carried out in various ways. In addition, the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a 3-section embodiment of the invention. The Stand-up paddleboard has a nose section 1, a tail section 3, and a middle section 2. Various means of attachment can be used to temporarily connect the sections to each other. In this embodiment, rods 4 are used, but there are a number of different mechanisms by which two-part surfboards and other portions of take-apart objects can be attached to each other. It should be noted that the nose section here has a “V” or convex keel that is beneficial for tracking, or keeping the board moving in a straight line. Other illustrations show a flatter bottom section that would be more suitable for surfing, including the option of putting fin boxes into the keep section.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the 3-section embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 1. Because the height of the joining face 5 of the nose section is the same height as the joining face 6 of the nose end of the middle section, and the joining face 7 of the tail end of the middle section is the same height as the joining face 8 of the tail section, there is a relatively seamless physical transition between the three sections. Please note that in further discussions, all of the joining faces will be referred to by reference number 10, as they will be identical, minor images of each other with the exactly same dimensions and shapes.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a 4-section embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, in between the nose section 1 and the tail section 3 and two middle sections. Middle sections 2 a and 2 b are identical in this embodiment, and create a longer Stand-up paddleboard that was created in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. In this embodiment, all of the joining faces 10 are identical in terms of height and shape, thus a seamless physical transition from the nose section 1 to the tail section 3 is created. This particular embodiment will be a fast paddling board, useful for traversing bodies of water. The long length could also make it useful for surfing large waves.

Because the middle sections are interchangeable, and because a variety of different types of middle sections are contemplated, there are a huge number of possible combinations for different intended uses. Among the middle sections contemplated are:

Standard.

Storage. This section would have a hollow interior section that could be sealed with a waterproof (or not waterproof) hatch.

Fishing rig. This section would have receptacles built into the deck that would mate with the legs of a fishing seat. This section could additionally have receptacles for receiving other fishing-related devices such as coolers and fishing pole retaining devices.

Special Paddling. This section would have a specific deck covering that would be particularly good for the comfort and security of the paddler.

Big Wave. This section would have additional rigidity for strengthening the Stand-up paddleboard for surfing large waves.

Concave bottom. This section could have a concave deck shape, rather than convex, for SUP Yoga, paddlers with disabilities or parents with small children or pets.

The nose section, rather than the center section, could be replaced with a displacement hull to make the board more efficient for distance flat water paddling. This same piece could also be duplicated and be put on the tail, keeping the original center section, for an even more efficient displacement speed paddling design.

FIG. 4 is a side view of another 3-section embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, generally referenced as 2, designed for a fishing Stand-up paddleboard user, directly behind the nose section 1 is a storage section with a fishing chair. It should be emphasized that an alternative embodiment would have separate sections for both the fishing chair and the storage section. The storage section has a cavity 51 within the section, which can be accessed through a hatch 52, connected to the cavity 51. The Stand-up paddleboard user can store his/her gear in the cavity 51.

This embodiment also has a fishing chair section, with a fishing chair 21 that has legs 22 that are secured to the deck of this section through clasps 23 or other known devices with similar functions. The fishing chair section 20 can optionally have a fishing rod retainer 24 that is connected to the deck in which the fisherperson can store a fishing rod. It should be noted that a fisherperson wishing to travel on a more long-distance trip could attach one or more storage sections to accommodate more gear.

FIG. 5 is a side view of a 5-section embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, directly behind the nose section 1 is a storage section 50, to allow the user to store gear for a multiday trip. Behind the storage section 50 is a paddling section 30, which has a special deck pad 32 attached to the top of the section 31. The special deck pad 32 is a material that is particularly suited for the comfort and control of the paddler. Behind the special deck pad 32 is a fishing chair section 20, followed by the tail section 3. With this embodiment, the user can paddle the Stand-up paddleboard for long distances, catch fish to “live off the land” as much as the user wanted, and when the user reached a good surf spot, take off the storage section 10 and the fishing chair section 20, leaving only the nose section 1, the paddling section 30, and the tail section 3 for surfing. In particularly small surf, the user may want to use on the nose section 1 and the tail section 3.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a 3-section embodiment of the invention showing a Stand-up paddleboard customized with a fishing chair. The fishing chair 21 rests on the deck of the middle section 2, and has its legs 22 secured by clasps 23 or other known means of removable attachment.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a 3-section embodiment of the invention showing a Stand-up paddleboard customized with a storage hatch 32 in the closed position. The middle section 2 in this case is also referred to as a “storage section” 30.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a 3-section embodiment of the invention showing a Stand-up paddleboard customized with a hatch 32 in the open position, showing access through a hole 33 in the deck.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a 3-section embodiment of the invention showing a Stand-up paddleboard customized with for tow-in surfing. The section, generally referenced as 60, has two tow-in straps 61 attached to the top of the section that accommodate the feet of a surfer.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a 3-section embodiment of the invention showing a Stand-up paddleboard customized with a modified nose section (14). It should be noted that having nose sections with additional rocker for larger waves or paddling across bodies of water where some choppy waves are expected are contemplated. It should also be noted that having nose or stern sections with “V” hulls, convex hulls or concave hulls are all contemplated as being offered for sale so that the Stand-up paddleboard owner can further customize his/her board to the conditions at hand.

FIG. 11 is a side view of a 4-section embodiment of the invention showing a Stand-up paddleboard customized with the embodiment of FIG. 3, but shown in side view. In this embodiment, two middle sections (2 a and 2 b) have been added to give the board additional length. For a paddler wishing for an even longer board, it is possible to add one or more additional middle sections to the board.

It should be understood that while the preferred embodiments of the invention are described in some detail herein, the present disclosure is made by way of example only and that variations and changes thereto are possible without departing from the subject matter coming within the scope of the following claims, and a reasonable equivalency thereof, which claims I regard as my invention.

All of the material in this patent document is subject to copyright protection under the copyright laws of the United States and other countries. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in official governmental records but, otherwise, all other copyright rights whatsoever are reserved. 

That which is claimed:
 1. A Stand-up paddleboard, comprising: a bow section, a stern section, and a middle section, where, the bow section and the stern section can connect with the middle section to create a rigid Stand-up paddleboard.
 2. The Stand-up paddleboard of claim 1, where the middle section is a big wave section.
 3. The Stand-up paddleboard of claim 1, where the middle section is a storage section.
 4. The Stand-up paddleboard of claim 1, where the middle section is a paddling section.
 5. The Stand-up paddleboard of claim 1, where the middle section is a fishing chair section.
 6. The Stand-up paddleboard of claim 1, where the middle section is a tow-in surfing section.
 7. The Stand-up paddleboard of claim 1, where the nose section is a big wave section with enhanced rocker.
 8. The Stand-up paddleboard of claim 1, where the nose section is a tracking section with a “V” hull.
 9. The Stand-up paddleboard of claim 1, additionally comprising an additional middle section, where a user of the invention can, optionally, put zero, one, or two middle sections in between the bow section and the stern section. 